Thinkery

Did you hear the big news? We are opening a NEW exhibit at Thinkery on July 15! Explore the design-build process in imaginative new worlds and hidden spaces with our newest exhibit, Fortastic Adventure: Imagine. Design. Build! Our incredible Exhibits and Facilities Team completely designed and fabricated this exhibit in-house, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gknEhhtt

Discovering the magic of STEAM learning partnerships with Brittany, Thinkery's Senior STEAM Educator! From hands-on workshops to on-campus collaborations, Brittany builds joyful learning partnerships that inspire educators and ignite curiosity in students. “I love to see students indulging their curiosities without fear of mistakes or failure, and that’s where the joyful learning begins!" Read more about how Brittany sparks joyful partnerships on Thinkery's blog

Attention all early childhood and elementary educators! You are invited to participate in a 3-day Summer Intensive course from July 23 to July 25, 9 am - 1 pm. This program will focus on inclusive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) practices for your classroom. This professional development opportunity will provide you with the chance to explore, play, learn, and plan for the Fall. During Thinkery's Summer Intensive, you will collaborate with Thinkery Instructional Coaches and your peers to create lessons, projects, and units suited for learners of all abilities, including bilingual English/Spanish language learners. The workshops will cover integrating STEAM practices into all content areas with a special focus on the topics of STEAM for ALL, Teaching with Technology, and Outdoor Learning. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gMk-ZJBs.

Extra, extra, learn all about it! Thinkery's 2023 impact report is hot off the press. We are on a mission to lead the future of play-based STEAM learning experiences that inspire and equip all children to be confident, creative thinkers. Learn more about the contributions we continue to make in Central Texas alongside our community! https://lnkd.in/gSHRCHna 

Next month in Thinkery’s Maker Space, we’re diving into the world of Scribble Bots—fun, vibrating robots that draw colorful patterns on paper. These bots are powered by motors and batteries, which create the movement needed to produce their unique designs. 🤖 I’m excited to prototype a new variation of scribble bots, these little wooden disks with pre-drilled holes offer the opportunity for one to play with balance!

STEAM Kids Education Had a Blast Last Night at the Thinkery Juneteenth Celebration as we taught students about Urban Gardening!

Happy Juneteenth! This day commemorates a freedom long-awaited for Black Americans. Although Juneteenth has long been celebrated within Black communities in Texas and beyond, this event and its legacy have remained largely unknown to most. An important part of celebrating this day of freedom is learning more about the story and history behind Juneteenth and sharing it with the little ones in our lives. Here are a few children’s books that are favorites of the #ThinkeryTeam! "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt" by Deborah Hopkinson "Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free" by Alice Faye Duncan "Let Freedom Sing" by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Head over to our Instagram to get a sneak peek at the photos from last night’s Juneteenth Celebration!

Silicon Lab’s Chief Legal Officer, Néstor Ho, was a part of the Austin Children’s Museum Board throughout the capital campaign that led the transition of Austin Children's Museum to Thinkery. From finding a new home for the museum, to the rebranding, Néstor and the team had a vision for the future Thinkery. “The biggest thing was that we wanted kids to learn without realizing they were learning. We want them to learn through play. We wanted to have something in which every experience was part of learning.” Néstor’s role as a Thinkery Board Member forged a lasting bond between Silicon Labs and Thinkery, ensuring a continuous presence of Silicon Labs representation on our board. Thank you, Néstor, for your dedication and contribution to the evolution of Thinkery and joyful learning experiences in our community!

Calling all early childhood and elementary educators! Join us for a 3-day summer intensive from July 23 to July 25, 9 am - 1 pm, focusing on inclusive STEAM practices for your classroom. This professional development opportunity will allow you to explore, play, learn, and plan for the Fall. You will have the chance to collaborate with Thinkery Instructional Coaches and your peers to develop lessons, projects, and units designed for learners of all abilities, including bilingual English/Spanish language learners. The workshops will cover integrating STEAM practices into all content areas, focused on the topics of STEAM for ALL, Teaching with Technology, and Outdoor Learning. Don’t wait—register today! https://lnkd.in/gHZncx7f

Big shoutout from the entire #ThinkeryTeam to our incredible board President, K.C. Barner, on his Birthday! Thank you for being our champion for Thinkery Del Valle and for your years of support on Thinkery’s Board. Here's to another year of joy and learning! Wishing you the best on your birthday, KC!